Outdoor Times In this issue:

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Outdoor Times In this issue:"

Lillian Boyd
5 years ago
Views:

MARION COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT Escape, Experience, Explore Outdoor Times In this issue: Employee Spotlight 2

Park Registration 4 Parks and Recreation Month Poster Winners Calendar of Events 3 4 4-6 Volume 105, Issue 1 August 2016 PARKS

who participated in the 2016 Parks and Recreation Master Plan online survey.

Gera Fleming of Ocala was the first Place winner and received a 10 Sun Dolphin Aruba kayak complete with a paddle and other

Second place was awarded a VIP Tubing Package for KP Hole Park and went to Jim Casselman of Belleview.

Henry Nelson of McIntosh received the third Place prize of a Park Pass which is valued at $35.

The data we gathered shows that the majority of our park visitors and program attendees are happy with the park and recreation

With more than 2.4 million visitors annually, we are pleased to see such high comments.

the B o a r d o f C o u n t y C o m m i s s i o n e r s f o r consideration for adoption in September.

Master Plan and develop the vision into a reality for our community.

352-671-8560, or visit www.marionparksrec.org.

1 MARION COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT Escape, Experience, Explore Outdoor Times In this issue: Employee Spotlight 2 Forest Community Center Happenings 2 Parks Operations Spotlight: Silver Springs Conservation Summer Camp Happenings 3 Shocker Park Registration 4 Parks and Recreation Month Poster Winners Calendar of Events Volume 105, Issue 1 August 2016 PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN UPDATE Jim Couillard On Thursday, July 27 Parks and Recreation presented prizes to three park lovers who participated in the 2016 Parks and Recreation Master Plan online survey. More than 1,500 people participated in the survey and were entered into the random drawing for the prizes. Gera Fleming of Ocala was the first Place winner and received a 10 Sun Dolphin Aruba kayak complete with a paddle and other amenities. The kayak is a $250 value. Second place was awarded a VIP Tubing Package for KP Hole Park and went to Jim Casselman of Belleview. The tubing package includes park entry, tube rental and shuttle service for four people and is valued at $160. Henry Nelson of McIntosh received the third Place prize of a Park Pass which is valued at $35. We thank everyone who participated in the survey. The data we gathered shows that the majority of our park visitors and program attendees are happy with the park and recreation offerings we provide. There are requests for a new park facilities and improvements a r o u n d t h e c o u n t y. With more than 2.4 million visitors annually, we are pleased to see such high comments. Our consultants, Kimley-Horn & Associates, are well underway with the Master Plan and expect to present the completed plan to the B o a r d o f C o u n t y C o m m i s s i o n e r s f o r consideration for adoption in September. Early 2017 will see the creation of the Parks Five-Year Strategic Plan w h i c h w i l l i n c l u d e recommendations from the Master Plan and develop the vision into a reality for our community. If you have any questions about the Master Plan, or any of the parks or recreation programs, fee free to contact the office at , or visit YOUNG AT HEART GOING STRONG Leah Hoffman Are you 50 years of age or older and still active? If you like to play softball, Marion County Parks and Recreation invites you to participate in our Senior League. This group meets on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Ralph Russell Park in Silver Springs Shores to practice and play a fast action game of softball. There are two seasons of play, fall and spring. The cost is only $25 per player per s e a s o n a n d l o t s o f opportunity for socializing as well as staying active with your softball skills. For more information, contact our Recreation Manger, Jason Maurer at or Jason.Maurer@marioncountyf l.org.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: MICHAEL FARR Leah Hoffman The employee spotlight this month features Michael Farr. Mike was born on Nov. 27, 1993 in Buffalo, N.Y. He moved with his family to Florida when he was one year old, grew up in Ocala and attended Forest High School.

In April he was hired on as a fulltime Park Service Worker II.

He is a family man which includes his significant other, Angela and two-year-old son named Charles.

On his off time Mike enjoys fishing, hunting and spending time with family and friends. He is a huge fan of Nascar and particularly Dale Jr.

Mike says working in Parks and Recreation has been a different experience than any other place I have worked, and it is a great place to learn and

Parks and Recreation is very appreciative of Michael s work and look forward to having him continue his learning and growth with us.

Those interested in renting a space may do so by contacting the Community Center at 352-438-2840.

Join our Forest Fitness Angels every Wednesday and Friday evening for a full body work out. They have fun while sweating it out!

We offer Martial Arts for youth and adults every Tuesday and Thursday from

Additional fee apply for uniforms and certifications.

2 EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: MICHAEL FARR Leah Hoffman The employee spotlight this month features Michael Farr. Mike was born on Nov. 27, 1993 in Buffalo, N.Y. He moved with his family to Florida when he was one year old, grew up in Ocala and attended Forest High School. Mike graduated from Forest High School in Mike began his career with Marion County in Feb a seasonal Park Service Worker I at Shocker Park. In April he was hired on as a fulltime Park Service Worker II. Then in November of that year Michael was promoted to a Park Service Worker III for the north area. He is a family man which includes his significant other, Angela and two-year-old son named Charles. Angela and Michael are looking forward to welcoming their second son later this year who will be named Jonathan. On his off time Mike enjoys fishing, hunting and spending time with family and friends. He is a huge fan of Nascar and particularly Dale Jr. Go Dale, Go 88. He also likes a variety of sports and goes to the gym to work out and keep in shape. Mike says working in Parks and Recreation has been a different experience than any other place I have worked, and it is a great place to learn and grow as an individual. Parks and Recreation is very appreciative of Michael s work and look forward to having him continue his learning and growth with us. FOREST COMMUNITY CENTER AUGUST HAPPENINGS Melissa Diiorio The first Saturday of each month The Forest Community Center hosts a monthly yard sale. Those interested in renting a space may do so by contacting the Community Center at Inside spaces (10 x 10, $10) and outside spaces (12 x12, $5) will be available. Want to get fit or have company while getting into shape? Join our Forest Fitness Angels every Wednesday and Friday evening for a full body work out. They have fun while sweating it out! Bring your work out mat, water bottle and a towel to get started. The program is free and starts at 6 p.m. The workouts are modified for those with limitations. We offer Martial Arts for youth and adults every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-7:30 p.m. Certified Instructor will work with you in developing mind, body and spirit through the martial arts. Monthly fee is $10 per person. Additional fee apply for uniforms and certifications. Come enjoy the last night of live country music starring Robert Stewart s Country Blend Band for the year. Mark your calendar for Aug. 20 from 5-8:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served at half time along with a 50/50 drawing. Robert Stewart s band plays at the center the third Saturday of each month March-August. Come out to the Forest Community Center for P i z z a, Popcorn and Movie Night on Saturday, Aug. 27. Make it a family night or leave your children with our friendly staff to enjoy dinner and a movie with us. Pre-registration is required by Aug. 26. Cost is $5 per person. This program runs from 6-8 p.m. Another great summer at the center...exploring new friendships and making memories to last a lifetime.

PARKS OPERATIONS SPOTLIGHT - SILVER SPRINGS CONSERVATION AREA Greg Wiley T h e S i l v e r S p r i n g s Conservation Area is located at 5415 NE Seventh St., Silver Springs.

This 330 acre property was the largest intact, undeveloped privately owned tract adjacent to Silver Springs, a first magnitude spring.

The property was acquired for the express goals of preserving and protecting land around the spring and Floridan Aquifer from the effects of commercial, residential and agricultural

The State of Florida subsequently entered into a lease with Marion County for management of the property by Marion County Parks and Recreation Department, to protect the property s natural

The conservation area consists of three types of natural communities: Sandhill (220 acre), Upland Mixed Forest (105 acre, and Wet Prairie (4 acre).

Improvements to the site include an earthen parking area and 4.5 miles of nature trails that can be used to stay fit while enjoying the wildlife and natural beauty of the property.

Some of what they learned about was safety, entering and exiting vessels, proper paddling and how to control their boat.

3 PARKS OPERATIONS SPOTLIGHT - SILVER SPRINGS CONSERVATION AREA Greg Wiley T h e S i l v e r S p r i n g s Conservation Area is located at 5415 NE Seventh St., Silver Springs. It was purchased by the State of Florida in May 2005 as part of the Florida Forever Program through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. This 330 acre property was the largest intact, undeveloped privately owned tract adjacent to Silver Springs, a first magnitude spring. The property is within the Silver Springs watershed and was purchased to help protect our ground water and Silver Springs by preserving this sensitive high water recharge site. The property was acquired for the express goals of preserving and protecting land around the spring and Floridan Aquifer from the effects of commercial, residential and agricultural development, r u n o f f, m i n i n g a n d unsupervised recreation. The State of Florida subsequently entered into a lease with Marion County for management of the property by Marion County Parks and Recreation Department, to protect the property s natural resources as well as provide resource based recreational opportunities. The conservation area consists of three types of natural communities: Sandhill (220 acre), Upland Mixed Forest (105 acre, and Wet Prairie (4 acre). Commonly seen wildlife include: whitetail deer, Sherman s fox squirrel, gopher tortoise, black racer, yellow rat snake, northern cardinal, towhee, and pileated woodpeckers. Improvements to the site include an earthen parking area and 4.5 miles of nature trails that can be used to stay fit while enjoying the wildlife and natural beauty of the property. SUMMER CAMP HAPPENINGS KAYAK/PADDLEBOARD CAMP Jason Maurer Campers spent the week learning about kayaking and paddleboards. Some of what they learned about was safety, entering and exiting vessels, proper paddling and how to control their boat. The kids had river trips each day to test their new skills and enjoy a great day on the water. Parents were excited about how tired their kids were at the end of each day too! SUMMER CAMP HAPPENINGS FISH CAMP SESSION II Jason Maurer Campers had an amazing time at the second fish camp of this summer! The children learned how to cast net for b a i t u s i n g d i f f e r e n t techniques. Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission taught the participants about being responsible anglers and boating safety. The week was spent learning all about different fishing lures, baits and rigs. Campers got a chance to practice their fishing skills everyday with games and real fishing time. The week wrapped up with families joining campers for a fish fry and a variety of games and prizes.

SHOCKER PARK FALL REGISTRATION DATES SET Connie Fernandez Ocala-Marion County Girls Softball will be holding registration for the 2016 Fall season at Shocker Park (2371 SE 44th Court, Ocala) on the

All registration will take place in the concession stand area. Follow Ocala-Marion County G i r l s S o f t b a l l o n Facebook.com/Shocker Park for the most up-to-date information.

Congratulations to the Ocala Shocker 8U All-stars who won district and were invited to compete in the World Series.

Winners participated in the Forest Community Center Mini-Camp. Emmalyn Grey took the honor in the age group 6-8 and attends East Marion Elementary.

4 SHOCKER PARK FALL REGISTRATION DATES SET Connie Fernandez Ocala-Marion County Girls Softball will be holding registration for the 2016 Fall season at Shocker Park (2371 SE 44th Court, Ocala) on the following Fridays and Saturdays: Aug. 5 from 5-8 p.m. Aug. 6 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 12 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 13 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Registration fee is $90 per player with multi-sister signup discounts. All registration will take place in the concession stand area. Follow Ocala-Marion County G i r l s S o f t b a l l o n Facebook.com/Shocker Park for the most up-to-date information. For more information, call Come be a part of the Ocala -Marion County Girls Softball and be part of a winning league. Congratulations to the Ocala Shocker 8U All-stars who won district and were invited to compete in the World Series. PARKS AND RECREATION MONTH POSTER WINNERS Leah Hoffman Congratulations to the winners of the poster contest recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month. Winners participated in the Forest Community Center Mini-Camp. Emmalyn Grey took the honor in the age group 6-8 and attends East Marion Elementary. In the 9-12 age group, Briana Miranda took first place and attends Fort McCoy Elementary. These young ladies did a great job! E m m a l y n s poster Briana s poster Calendar of Events Date Time Event Location Aug. 1 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (adults) Ralph Russell Park Aug. 2 9 a.m. Drop in Pickle ball Coehadjoe Park 6 p.m. Drop in Pickle ball Coehadjoe Park Aug. 3 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (adults) Ralph Russell Park 6-8 p.m. Line Dancing/Beginner and Up (teens/adults) Forest Community Center Aug. 4 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Pine Needles Quilt Club Forest Community Center Aug. 5 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (adults) Ralph Russell Park 5-8 p.m. Fun Friday (ages 6-13) Forest Community Center Aug. 6 9:30 a.m. Kayak 101/Lake Weir Carney Island 8 a.m.-noon Forest Community Yard Sale Forest Community Center

5 Calendar of Events Date Time Event Location August 8 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (adults) Ralph Russell Park August 9 9 a.m. Drop-in Pickle ball Coehadjoe Park 6 p.m. Drop-in Pickle ball Coehadjoe Park August 10 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (adults) Ralph Russell Park 6-8 p.m. Line Dancing/Beginner and Up (teens/adults) Forest Community Center August 11 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Pine Needles Quilt Club Forest Community Center August 12 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (adults) Ralph Russell Park 5-8 p.m. Fun Friday (ages 6-13) Forest Community Center August 13 8:30 a.m. Kayak Outing Chassahowitzka Brick City Adventure Park 1-4:30 p.m. Clogging class (beginner/intermediate) Forest Community Center August 15 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (adults) Ralph Russell Park August 16 9 a.m. Drop-in Pickle ball Coehadjoe Park 6 p.m. Drop-in Pickle ball Coehadjoe Park August 17 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (adults) Ralph Russell Park 6-8 p.m. Line Dancing/Beginner and Up (teens/adults) Forest Community Center August 18 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Pine Needles Quilt Club Forest Community Center August 19 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (adults) Ralph Russell Park 5-8 p.m. Fun Friday (ages 6-13) Forest Community Center August 20 9 a.m. Off Road Biking 101 Santos Trail Head 9 a.m. Basic Caving Brick City Adventure Park 8 p.m. Moon Light Paddle KP Hole Park August 22 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (adults) Ralph Russell Park August 23 9 a.m. Drop-in Pickle ball Coehadjoe Park 6 p.m. Drop in Pickle ball Coehadjoe Park Please Note: Some programs may be cancelled due to not meeting the minimum number of participants. If a program is cancelled due to weather or unforeseen circumstances by the Department all those registered will be notified. The staff makes every effort to ensure programs provide a positive experience. Please feel free to contact the office with any questions at

6 Calendar of Events Date Time Event Location August 24 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (adults) Ralph Russell Park 6-8 p.m. Line Dancing / Beginner and Up (teens/adults) Forest Community Center August 25 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Pine Needles Quilt Club Forest Community Center August 26 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (adults) Ralph Russell Park 5-8 p.m. Fun Friday (ages 6-13) Forest Community Center August 27 8:30 a.m. Kayak outing Gores to Eureka Brick City Adventure Park 6-8 p.m. Pizza, Popcorn and Movie Night Forest Community Center August 29 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (adults) Ralph Russell Park August 30 9 a.m. Drop in Pickle ball Coehadjoe Park 6 p.m. Drop in Pickle ball Coehadjoe Park August 31 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (adults) Ralph Russell Park 9:00 a.m. Summer Mini Camp Forest Community Center 6 p.m. 8 p.m. Line Dancing/Beginner and Up (teens/adults) Forest Community Center Please Note: Some programs may be cancelled due to not meeting the minimum number of participants. If a program is cancelled due to weather or unforeseen circumstances by the Department all those registered will be notified. The staff makes every effort to ensure programs provide a positive experience. Please feel free to contact the office with any questions at

CAMPS. David Colby Director of Summer Camps & Director of Tennis x 205

CAMPS. David Colby Director of Summer Camps & Director of Tennis x 205 M A N C H E S T E R A T H L E T I C SUMMER C L U B 2018 C A M P S W E L C O M E MAC Camps for 16 years has offered an extensive diversity of activities for children 3-16 years of age. Our staff continue